Phil Adams

Katy Berger
Communications Specialist, KREMC

WARSAW — Kosciusko REMC Lead Lineman Phil Adams began his career as a groundsman/operator for Kosciusko REMC in 1975.

“My dad really impressed upon me the importance of a good and reliable job. He worked for another utility for 40 years and now I have done the same at KREMC,” Adams said.

In September, 1975, Adams completed a two-week introductory training session to becoming a lineman, including climbing poles and first aid. He was hired Dec. 1, 1975, at Kosciusko REMC. During his tenure, Adams served as a groundsman/operator, an apprentice lineman and a lineman before being promoted to his current lead lineman position in 1990.

“I can remember the day I was promoted to lead linemen,” Adams said. “We were just getting started on the three-phase job for Creighton’s hog complex. At that time we ran two two-man crews and one three-man crew. Then, when the economy picked up and more businesses and homes starting going in, we had to hire more guys to meet the demand. Today, we are running a number of three- or four-man crews and doing a lot of rebuilds to keep the lights going strong.”

Adams lives in Warsaw with his wife, Shirley. He has two daughters: Alaina and Alicia, three stepchildren and 12 grandchildren.

Kosciusko REMC Manager of Engineering and Operations Kurt Carver said, “I have had the privilege of working side-by-side with Phil in the field for a number of years, with the past 11 years as his supervisor and manager. During this time, I have come to depend on Phil’s knowledge and experience of the KREMC operations system. He goes above and beyond to provide outstanding service to all of our members, no matter the weather, the time, or the situation. He is a role model for our apprentices and we greatly appreciate his contribution to the co-op.”